Long-term care bucked healthcare industry trends with strong merger and acquisition activity in the second quarter, according to newly released data from professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Real estate investment trust giant Ventas took a huge step in bolstering its private-pay assets when it announced it would acquire American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust for $2.6 billion in cash and stock. The transaction is expected to close later this year.

Real estate investment trust giant Ventas took a huge step in bolstering its private-pay assets on Monday, when it announced it would acquire American Realty Capital (ARC) Healthcare Trust for $2.6 billion in cash and stock. The transaction is expected to be finalized by the end of this year.

Long-term care providers are sitting anxiously on the sidelines as members of Congress tussle with what to do before the end of the month about certain healthcare payment formulas. What will actually be done — or not done — is a great unknown. But providers can be certain there will be at least one political arena where they're going to take a beating soon, and it's going to stretch out through the November elections.

Ventas Chairman and CEO Debra A. Cafaro has made a $4 million gift to the University of Chicago Law School. The funds will provide provide full-tuition, three-year scholarships to 22 students over the course of nine years, the school announced.

Ventas Inc. anticipates $386 million in 2012 net operating income after management fees from its private-pay senior housing communities managed by Atria Senior Living Inc. and Sunrise Senior Living Inc.